soundproofing new basement shop

Can’t seem to find the right place to post this, so I guess this is a “project”.

I am designing a new basement shop, and soundproofing is extremely important. I’ve read up on STC, special types of drywall, double-stud walls, resilient channel and all the various other soundproofing methods and materials.

I am shooting for an STC of at least 50 on my ceiling and well above that for my walls. “By the books” I should have no problem achieving that.

However, I can’t find any good real-world calculations or stories about how STC translates to specific tools.

Take my surface planer and table saw, both 100-130 dB. How loud will they be through a ceiling with STC 50?

If you don’t know specifics, can I get some anecdotes about what methods you used for soundproofing and how loud your tools are outside the shop?

1 reply so far

From first hand knowledge, Planers(lunch box types) will scream thru any wall or ceiling. My new shop is 1’ thick block wall with 2×4 studing with 2” foam board between the strapping and 1/2” drywall over that. I think a bomb could go off in there and no one would hear it. So, adding some sound board and insulation should make a big difference.